Commercial centers, banks, schools, hospitals and government buildings are located in the island.

The total land area of Bongao Island is approximately 10.44 square kilometers (4.03 sq mi).

The island is around 58 kilometers (36 mi) from Sabah, Malaysia, much nearer than Jolo or Zamboanga.

Residents of the island practice Islam and are part of the ethnic group, Sama.

But since the Bongao is the capital of commerce, it also has Christians and other groups such as Tausug, Yakan and Bisaya.